It’s always a pleasure to bring back Jim Zub to the show. Whether it’s re-visiting the Skullkickers world, findings orcs to bash in Pathfinder, or playing doctor with Harley Quinn – you always get to see a new side of Jim expressed in his books. We talk about that along with other new projects as well as how the sales have been looking for a rising creator in the ranks.

NOTE: There were slight technical difficulties towards the end of the show that involved me cutting off the interview a bit early. I address what was left to talk about at the end, as well as a cool new surprise Jim just announced off his blog.

We’re in an industry that’s all about re-launching titles and adding adjectives to names that will grab as much readers’ attention as possible. Just look at the Avengers titles and you’ll get what I’m saying.

Image Comics and frequent CBF interviewee/Skullkickers creator Jim Zub is jumping on that trend, although not in the way you think, with Uncanny Skullkickers #1.

The UNCANNY SKULLKICKERS: Two hard-headed mercenaries kill monsters and cause havoc in their search for money, fame and adventure! A bold new direction! A perfect jumping-on point! A newly added adjective! Our nineteenth issue, but also a new issue #1! It’s all here, people! Don’t make us use more exclamation marks!!

P.S. Retailers: Rack this comic beside other “Uncanny” comics you may have hanging around and sell a ton of copies. Do it.

The retailer blurb is great and speaks well to how the comics are being marketed. And no surprise Image is going this route, as they’ve parodied comic book event/re-launch solicits in the past.

It’s always a pleasure when Jim Zub returns to the show to share his upcoming work and insights on the craft of comic-making. That’s exactly what he does here and I’m pretty sure you’re in for a treat.

We talk a lot about what’s been in the pipeline for Jim since he last came on the show back in January – including his experience at this year’s San Diego show. We take a look into the latest of his Skullkickers work for Image, as he finishes up his Six Shooter on the Seven Seas arc and reveals some plans on what’s in store for future arcs.

We also learn more his new project for Pathfinder, a popular tabletop RPG that’s being adapted to comic form by Dynamite. Jim shares what got him the gig and where he sees the story heading in a world where players make up their own stories.

The big shocker for me was him and other industry writers taking on web comics for classic video game properties on Shifty Look. Never did I see the day that Dig Dug would get its own comic. My dream for a Bubble Bobble comic is coming closer.

And we also touch a bit on the craft of making comics. Jim took to Twitter initially before posting his thoughts on writing via his blog. There’s a lot of great material for aspiring comic book writers (and even artists) to follow to build up their own craft.

The man behind the success that is Skullkickers and Makeshift Miracle is back on Comic Book Fury for 2012 to share his plans for the new year. In this exquisite interview (at least to my knowledge), we get the following from Jim Zub:

Reflections on a great 2011 for his comics properties

The next arc of Skullkickers for 2012

A Munchkin Skullkickers game? Is Jim killing off the Wizard of Oz or something?

What is Makeshift Miracle and what do we have to look forward to next with the series?

His 2012 readings and predictions for the industry

If you haven’t caught on to his Skullkickers work, volumes one and two are out now for your purchasing and viewing pleasure. And you can check for updates on the main Skullkickers site.

Bask in the glory that was New York Comic Con 2011! In this episode, I talk with a returning guest in Jim Zub, who talks about the latest in the land of Skullkickers. Hear what it’s about, what’s upcoming, and why being an independent creator rules.

I had the honor earlier this year to interview Jim Zubkavich of Image’s Skullkickers fame. Very down to earth and loves what he does. Recently, I saw this pop up in my inbox:

At first, I thought he solved the budget crisis, but turns out he’s got a cool OGN coming out called Makeshift Miracle with art from Shun Hong Chan. Originally published from 2001-2003, it now looks like Jim wants to flesh the story out more and give it another coat of paint.

“It’s a surreal coming of age story. Sandman by way of Stand By Me…It’s been ten years since I originally started Makeshift and I’ve learned so much about storytelling, pacing and dialogue since then. The chance to expand the story and delve deeper into ideas about dreams and desires – I can’t wait for a new generation of readers to dive in, no matter where they live.

2 pages each week on the site will showcase the revised edition, with the full ensemble available in printed form in 2012. Here’s some of what you can expect: